Bill to provide compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims heads to President Biden's desk

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act would benefit the veterans and families who have been harmed by exposure to toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune.

Posted 8:32 p.m. Jun 23, 2022 — Updated 8:40 p.m. Jun 23, 2022

Mark Bergin

, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Legislation that would provide relief for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims is headed to President Joe Biden's desk.

On June 16, the Senate passed the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 by a vote of 84 to 14. It encompasses the Camp Lejeune Justice Act along with other legal matters pertaining to toxic exposures related to military service.

In March 2022, the House of Representatives voted 256 to 174 to pass the Honoring our PACT Act.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act would benefit the veterans and families who have been harmed by exposure to toxic chemicals in the drinking water on the North Carolina military base. Investigators found the water was contaminated with volatile organic compounds and more than 70 other highly toxic substances. The government knew about the contamination, but took no action.

Anyone who suffered serious illness, miscarriage or birth defects is potentially eligible for disability payments, health care and compensation. It applies to anyone who lived, worked or served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days from Aug. 1, 1953, to Dec. 31, 1987.

Water used for drinking, cooking and bathing in enlisted family housing, barracks, schools, base hospitals, recreational areas and administrative offices could have been contaminated.

Common injuries, diseases and illnesses include:

Bladder Cancer
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Liver Cancer
Lung Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Stomach Cancer
Birth Defects and Birth Injuries
Miscarriage
Multiple Myeloma and other Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Adult Leukemia
Aplastic Anemia and other Bone Marrow Conditions
Parkinson’s Disease
Renal Toxicity
Neurobehavioral Effects
and Death

Beasley Allen lawyers are working with clients eligible for relief under this act and are pursuing litigation against the federal government on their behalf.

“Our clients and others dedicated their lives to serving our country; in return, they were poisoned with hazardous chemicals and left to suffer life-threatening injuries,” said Beasley Allen attorney Julia Merritt in a news release.

For years, WRAL Investigates has followed the story about the Camp Lejeune water contamination victims. Earlier this month, WRAL Investigates spoke with families about their efforts to try to convince the Veterans Administration that their post-service illnesses were linked to their time in the military.

Families fight for compensation for exposure to deadly, toxic water at Camp Lejeune

“Sixty-eight years after the contamination period started and 34 years after it ended, Congress finally acknowledged the damage the United States caused to its military population at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, said Beasley Allen attorney Trisha Green. “Now, victims have only a short time to bring claims.

“Unfortunately, many of the victims are unaware of this act.”

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